Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: From $44,175Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2026 Lexus NX compact crossover is now in its fifth model year, and continues to occupy an interesting niche that sees some people classify it as a subcompact and others as a compact. It’s six inches longer than a BMW X1 and four inches shorter than an X3, but its pricing more closely aligns with the subcompact class, though the top hybrid trims push well into compact pricing territory. And with the even smaller UX positioned below it, most will, therefore, see the NX as a compact crossover.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt delivers Lexus’ signature brand of premium quality, eschewing sporty dynamics for refined comfort instead. Three powertrain options are on offer, including a 275-hp 2.4L turbo-four, a 240-hp naturally aspirated and hybridized 2.5L four-cylinder, and a plug-in hybrid with the 2.5L engine and 304 hp and an electric range of 37 miles.Best For: Buyers who want a serene driving experience, fuel efficiency, and excellent reliability in a compact luxury SUV, not outright sportiness or class-leading space.2025-2026 Lexus NX 350 in CaviarLexusWhat's New for 2026The 2026 NX NX 350h hybrid will be available with front-wheel drive as well this year, adding to the existing all-wheel-drive configuration, providing a lower price entry point for the hybrids. Furthermore, the base NX 250 trim is discontinued, and the F Sport Handling trim is now expanded to include all the powertrain configurations. A new 450h+ Premium trim also joins the lineup this year. Last of all, Infrared (below) is added to the paint palette, and the availability of Ultra White is expanded to all trims.2026 Lexus NX 350 Luxury AWD in InfraredExteriorThe NX is familiarly Lexus, with the automaker’s signature design language, with a bold spindle grille and angular lighting signatures. LED headlights are standard, upgraded to triple-beam LEDs on the top trims. The standard wheels measure 18 inches, upgradable to 20 inches. The F Sport runs on dark-gray 20s as standard and also adds a unique mesh grille and body-color fender trim. The extensive paint palette includes hues like Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, Copper Crest, Infrarred, Atomic Silver, and Nori Green.2026 Lexus NX 350h Luxury AWD in Copper CrestLexus USA NX configuratorView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorIn the cabin, all the controls in the driver-focused cockpit are within easy reach. A standard 9.8-inch touchscreen makes way for a 14-inch unit further up the range, and there are six USB ports spread throughout the cabin. NuLuxe leatherette covers the seats, except for the Luxury trim, which gets real leather with chevron seat quilting. Cabin color combinations include Macadamia, Black, Palomino, and the extroverted Roja Red. Thematic ambient lighting with 14 nature-inspired themes is available, too.2025-2026 Lexus NX 350 interiorLexusAdvertisementAdvertisementView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimThe 2026 Lexus NX’s price list starts at $44,175 for the NX 350h FWD and tops out at $62,830 for the NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD. These prices exclude the $1,295 destination fee. The $47,650 NX 350h Premium AWD is the best deal in the range, with exceptional hybrid fuel efficiency, a moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a power-adjustable tilting/telescoping steering column, and a hands-free power liftgate. For stronger performance and more driver engagement, this trim in 350 gas format ups the excitement factor a bit at the expense of efficiency, and for $900 less.TrimPriceBase Trim NX 350h FWD$44,175Top Trim NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD$62,830Best ValueNX 350h Premium AWD$47,6502026 Lexus NX Specs OverviewPowertrain OptionsModelEnginePowerTransmissionDrivetrainNX 350h2.5L NA I4 Hybrid240 hpCVTFWD / AWDNX 3502.4L Turbo I4275 hp / 317 lb-ft8-speed autoAWDNX 450h+2.5L NA I4 PHEV304 hpCVTAWDPerformance and 0-60 MPHThe gas NX 350 with the turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine is the most engaging to drive and provides swift performance, motivating the NX to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, but it’s not the quickest. That honour belongs to the 304-hp PHEV, which does the same in six seconds flat. While this is far from slow, it still trails rivals like the X1. The regular 240-hp hybrids are the slowest, with the AWD versions reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and the heavier AWD versions taking a full second longer.For a sportier bent, the F Sport Handling’s bigger wheels and adaptive suspension add some handling prowess without destroying the ride, but it never feels particularly sporty. And with an eight-speed automatic transmission more interested in refinement than firing off lightning-fast shifts, the NX is best for the more sedate driver.2025-2026 Lexus NX 350 F SportLexusFuel Economy (MPG)ModelCityHighwayCombinedNX 350h FWD42 mpg38 mpg40 mpgNX 350h AWD41 mpg37 mpg39 mpgNX 350 AWD21 mpg28 mpg24 mpgNX 450h+ AWDN/AN/A84 MPGe, 36 mpg gas, 37-mile EV rangeThe NX 350h’s 40 mpg combined EPA estimate with FWD and 39 mpg with AWD makes the sensible choice, and convincingly outpaces the efficiency of most luxury compacts. The 350’s 24 mpg combined, however, is considerably worse than the X3 xDrive30’s 29 mpg. The NX 450h+ does a far better 36 mpg on gas alone, but comes with the potential of 84 MPGe combined and a 37-mile all-electric range.TowingSpecificationCapacityMaximum Towing2,000 lbsTowing capacity is modest at just 2,000 pounds, so you won’t be able to pull much more than small trailers, but at least it applies to all the hybrids as well. Rivals like the Volvo XC40 can tow as much as 3,500 pounds.DrivetrainThe NX 350h gives you a choice between standard FWD and optional AWD for $1,550, adding an electric motor to the rear axle to drive the rear wheels when needed. The NX 350 gas and NX 450h+ PHEV come only with AWD.DimensionsDimensionMeasurementWheelbase105.91 inOverall Length183.46 inOverall Width73.43 inOverall Height65.75-66.14 inInterior Space (Front and Rear)Front Legroom40.96 inFront Headroom37.1-38.34 inRear Legroom36.09 inRear Headroom37.36-38.51 inCargo SpaceCargo (behind second row)22.7 cu-ftCargo (maximum)46.9 cu-ft2026 Lexus NX 350h trunkWarrantyCoverageDurationBasic Warranty4 years / 50,000 milesPowertrain Warranty6 years / 70,000 milesHybrid Component Warranty8 years / 100,000 milesComplimentary Maintenance1 year / 10,000 milesPros and ConsPros:AdvertisementAdvertisementExceptional hybrid fuel economy (40 mpg combined)Serene, quiet cabin with high-quality materialsComprehensive standard safety featuresSmooth, compliant ride qualityStrong reliability reputationThree powertrain options, including a 37-mile EV range PHEVCons:Less cargo space than many competitorsNX 350 trails sportier rivals in accelerationComplimentary maintenance limited to one yearNavigation requires a subscription after the trial periodVerdictThe Lexus NX offers impeccable build quality, premium materials, a very quiet cabin on the move, and a comfortable ride, so it succeeds because it plays to these traditional Lexus strengths, instead of trying to chase the segment leaders on performance and handling credentials. If you’re more interested in a relaxing environment and efficiency for daily driving or suburban commuting than a dynamic feel, the NX will hit the mark for you. It even gives you regular and plug-in hybrids to choose from, the latter complete with a 37-mile electric range. If you don’t have a yen for speed, the regular hybrid is probably the best balanced - and it’s more attainable now that you can get it with FWD.AdvertisementAdvertisementRecommended For: Drivers seeking a fuel-efficient and refined compact luxury crossover with Lexus reliability.2025-2026 Lexus NX 350 in CaviarLexusCompetitorsBMW X1/X3Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLCAudi Q3/Q5Volvo XC40/XC60Genesis GV70Shop the Car MarketplaceThis story was originally published by Autoblog on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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